The United Sates Department of Agriculture (USDA) has given regulatory approval to a genetically modified hemp strain that’s free of THC and CBD.
The strain, called “Badger G” and developed by the Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is unique due to its absence of THC and CBD. Those behind the strain say this could help hemp farmers reduce waste.
Although Badger G does not produce THC or CBD, it does produce higher levels of the cannabinoid cannabigerol (CBG). This is accomplished by employing gene-editing technology that nullifies the CBDAS gene responsible for THC and CBD synthesis.
The University of Wisconsin says this could eliminate up to 25% of crop waste that happens when hemp has more than 0.3% THC. Under current law hemp cultivation is legal due to a 2018 farm bill, but if the hemp has more than 0.3% THC than the hemp was be discarded in order for farmers to remain in compliance with the law.
In its approval, the USDA says that Badger G “may be safely grown and bred in the United States”, noting that it’s “unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk compared to other cultivated plants.”
Badger G is the second genetically modified hemp variety approved by the USDA, the first being a low-THC and CBD strain developed last year by Growing Together Research.
